The four-week event, which ends in February, is held Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m., depending on weather conditions.

At BVT, the recreation program will use the two gymnasiums for basketball and dodge ball games, and they will also use the cafeteria to play floor hockey.

“It's been a successful program,” said Police Chief Michael Bradley. “It started in 2008 using a fund from a policing grant. Since then, we have been able to run the program by partnering with the Upton Recreation Commission.”

Bradley said on a typical night, they will see about 200 to 300 children participate in the program.

Police officers and dispatchers will volunteer for the program along with volunteers from the Upton Baseball Committee.

“(The children) get to meet them in an informal, friendly environment and establish a relationship with the officers,” said Bradley. “This helps them feel more comfortable going to officers if they need assistance.”

The Baseball Committee will also be there selling snacks and beverages as a fundraiser.

Children must be ages eight to 15 in order to participate. Pre-registration is not required, but parents do need to sign an injury waiver form and provide emergency contact information. This program is advertised to children from Upton and Mendon, but it is open to children from all other locations.

Christian Yapor can be reached at 508-634-7521 or at cyapor@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChristianYapor.